Utility plate



Dec. 6, 1938. H. H. COILLIN'S Re. 20,934

UT ILITY PLATE Original Filed June 21, 1934 Reissued Dec. 6,,1938

. UTILITY PLATE Henry Hill Bl!!! Ml", P8.

01181 11 No. 2,082,835, dated Mll'cil 3, 1988, Se-

rial No. 731,745. June 21, 1934.

Application for reissue October 23, 1987, Serial No. 170,629

- This invention relates to a novel form of utility plate comprising a substantially rigid base form which by reason of the novel characteristics herelnatter set forth may be and preferably is made g of relatively cheap material and which is adapted to emciently retain a cover element of thin flexible material such as paper forming the electlve iood-retaining surface of the plate. Y

A specific object of the invention is to provld a plate of this character wherein the base member shall be substantially concealed and shall thereby constitute an unobtrusive part of the plate assembly while at the same time aflording a highly emcient rigid backing and retainer for the flexible cover element.

To this specific end, another object of the invention is to provide a plate structure of the stated character in which the substantially rigid base member shall retain the cover element by go means only of frictional engagement at the edges of the last-named element, whereby the requirement for obtrusive overhanging flange elements or unsightly projections on the base member is obviated.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a plate of the stated character wherein the cover element while securely retained in the base member shall be readily removable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plate of the stated character in which the base member, while having the desirable characteristics set forth above, shall be free irom inaccessible recesses interfering with adequate cleansing and maintenance in sanitary condition.

In the attached drawing: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a plate made in accordance with my invention, and

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of the plate assembly.

With reference to the drawing, a preferred embodiment of my invention comprises a base member i which may conform generally in shape and size to a standard plate. This may be formed of any suitable material, such for example as sheet metal. At the marginal edge. this member is provided with a shallow upstanding rim 2, which in the present instance is formed by beading the edge inwardly as shown in Fig. 2. Regardless of the manner in which this rim is so formed, it preferably shall be slightly inclined on' smooth surface tree from sharp cutting edges. Itwlll be noted that the head 2 is completely closed so that there are no pockets or crevices in which dirt or foodstuffs may accumulate or adhere.- I

In conjunction with this base member, I employ a cover element I shaped to fit the upper surface of the base member I inside of the rim 2. This cover element may suitably bemade of thin paper, and while not essential, it is. preferably 10 scalloped or corrugated in the edge portion as illustrated. The element! is so dimensioned that when placed upon the base member, .as illustrated, the peripheral edge 01 the cover element will bear with light pressure against the inner side of the rim 3 aflording sufilclent frictional pressure to maintain the cover element securelyin position, while at the same time permitting ready release of the element whenit is desired to separate it from the base member. To furgo ther facilitate removal of the cover element, the base member 2 may be provided as shown in Fig. 1 and in the peripheral portion thereof with an opening 4 through which an implement or the flnger may be inserted from the under side of the base member to 'elevate the edge of the cove element from the said member.

It will be noted that the rim 2 has only suillcient height to afford the aforesaid frictional contact with the edge of the cover element relied upon to retain the latter securely in position, and that it does not project appreciably above the cover when the latter is in place. I have found that in this manner an eflective bond between the cover and the base member may be had while the latter is largely concealed. When the cover element is suitably decorated, the plate has to adegree the appearance 01 a china plate and the same characteristics of substantial rigidity which is essential for proper handling.

Lclaim:

1. In a receptacle of the character described, a substantially rigid base member having a flat bottom, ashallow upstanding flange projecting from the peripheral edge oi said bottom, a relatively wide flange projecting substantially horizontally from the upper edge of said upstanding flange and terminating, in a narrow upstanding rim, a thin flexible covering element of substantially the same shape and size as the base memher formed to cover and snugly ilt the upper surface of the base member and having a central depressed portion, the side walls of said depressed portlonengaging the innerwalls of the upstanding flange of the base member, the peripheral portion of the covering element being radially corrugated and having the outer edge thereof frictionaily fitting against the inner surface of the upstanding rim, said rim being of -substantially the same height as the efl'ective height of the corrugated peripheral portion of the covering element, whereby the base member is substantially concealed by the covering element and said rim iorms a narrow unobtrusive margin at the outer edge oi the assembly.

2. In a receptacle oi the character described, a substantially rigid base member having a flat bottom, a shallow upstanding flange projecting from the peripheral edge of said bottom. a relatively wide flange projecting substantially horizontally from the upper edge 0! said upstanding flange and terminating in a narrow upstanding rim, a thin flexible covering element of substantially the same shape and size as the base member formed to cover and snugly flt the upper surface of the base member, the peripheral portion of the covering element being radially corrugated and having the outer edge thereof frictionally fitting against the inner surface of the upstanding rim, said rim being of substantially the same height as the effective-height of the corrugated peripheral portion of the covering J element, whereby the base member is substantially concealed by the covering element andsaid rim forms a narrow unobtrusive margin at the outer edge of the assembly.

' HENRY HILL COLLINS. 7 

